Plastic pollution has been identified as a severe and escalating threat to human health, according to a recent report by an international team of 27 health experts published in The Lancet. As world leaders prepare for talks in Switzerland aimed at negotiating a global plastics treaty, the group emphasized that the dangers posed by plastic extend throughout every stage of its life cycle and significantly impact vulnerable groups, particularly infants and young children.
Lead author Philip Landrigan, a prominent figure at Boston College’s Global Observatory on Planetary Health, noted that while plastic pollution’s healthcare impacts are often overshadowed by issues like climate change, growing evidence highlights its serious implications for public health. The upcoming negotiations follow a previous round in South Korea that fell apart largely due to resistance from fossil fuel-producing nations against limiting virgin plastic production.
Advocacy for stronger international cooperation to combat this global crisis is at the forefront of Landrigan’s message as delegates gather to continue discussions. Importantly, human health considerations are expected to play a significant part in these negotiations, with prior agreements from 94 countries focusing on phasing out harmful elements associated with plastic use.
The report addresses the alarming finding that health problems linked to just three chemicals prevalent in plastics have incurred an estimated $1.5 trillion in costs across 38 countries. For example, BPA (bisphenol A) has been linked to tens of thousands of deaths due to ischemic heart disease and stroke globally.
In conjunction with the report, a new global monitor called the Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics was launched to track the impacts of plastic pollution on health. Landrigan stressed that while some plastics are essential in modern society, it is crucial to differentiate between critical applications and those that are trivial, such as single-use plastics, which contribute significantly to overall plastic production.
As negotiations draw near, the principle of collaboration remains vital. Landrigan acknowledges skepticism towards the prospect of reaching consensus with various nations, including Russia and Saudi Arabia, but also emphasizes the growing global support for phasing out harmful substances and chemicals. The momentum generated by these discussions indicates a hopeful path towards a global effort to combat plastic pollution effectively, ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.
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